Method for attaching applique or applied chapters formed of metal and equipped with a circular-cylindrical foot portion to a dial

ABSTRACT

A method for attaching applique or applied chapters formed of metal and possessing a substantially circular-cylindrical foot or stem to a dial, which comprises the steps of forming an opening in the dial at the location intended to receive the applied chapter, this opening possessing a non-circular cross-sectional configuration, with the smallest dimension thereof at least being as large as the diameter of the foot or stem of the applique or applied chapter. Thereafter, the stem of the chapter is introduced into the opening, and then the stem is deformed from the opposite face of the dial so that it partakes the configuration of the opening.

United States Patent Feller Nov. 6, 1973 METHOD FOR ATTACHING APPLIQUE OR 3,058,211 10/1962 Axtell 29/509 LI D CHAPTERS FORMED 0 METAL 3,483,611 12/1969 Balamuth et al.. 29/509 AND EQUIPPED WITH A 3,566,513 3/1971 Fuller 29/557 CIRCULAR-CYLINDRICAL FOOT PORTION FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS TO A DIAL 389,510 7/1965 Switzerland 29 177 Inventor: ll Le Lode Switzerland Sw1tzerland [73] Assignee: Metalem S.A., Le Locle, Switzerland Primary Examiner Richard Herbst [22] Filed; A r, 19, 1971 Assistant ExaminerV. A. DiPalma A l N 135 176 Attorney-Werner W. Kleeman 57] ABSTRACT [30] Foreign Application Priority Data i th d f n h r l d h t me 0 or a ac mg app 1que or app 1e c ap ers Apr. 24, 1970 Sw1tzerland 6165/70 formed of metal and possessing a Substantially circular cylindrical foot or stem to a dial, which comprises the 29/177 5 steps of forming an opening in the dial at the location [58] Fieid 509 intended to receive the applied chapter, this opening 29/558 1 5 possessing a non-circular cross-sectional configuration, with the smallest dimension thereof at least being as large as the diameter of the foot or stem of the applique [56] References Cited or applied chapter. Thereafter, the stem of the chapter UNITED STATES PATENTS is introduced into the opening, and then the stem is del,814,703 7/1931 Johnson 29/509 formed from the opposite face of the dial so that it parl ggfi li/lgig Eruekckerm. El sa-i4 takes the configuration of the opening. 2, 7 5 /l eig ton 2,958,230 11/1960 I'Iaroldson 74/2303 12 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures ////////////////'qll/l/l/I/ll/lbV/II/Iln METHOD FOR ATTACI-IING APPLIQUE OR APPLIED CHAPTERS FORMED OF METAL AND EQUIPPED WITH A CIRCULAR-CYLINDRICAL FOOT PORTION TO A DIAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION applied chapters with circular-cylindrical attachment 1 stems or feet, for instance by profile-turning. The stems are then inserted from the front face of the dial plate through corresponding likewise circular-cylindrical bores which have been previously formed at the dial plate. The entire unit is then turned over and from the opposite face, in other words from the rear face of the dial plate, the excess length of each steam'or foot is then ground away, for instance by using a small grinder. Thereafter, the stems are riveted, again from the opposite or rear face of the dial plate.

The watch industry is well aware of the fact that the attachment of applique or applied chapters equipped with a single circular-cylindrical foot or stem by profile-turning, the so-called cabochon figures, according to this classical technique presents certain problems because repeatedly the applied chapters, even after riveting, tend to rotate within their bore. Such displacement of the riveted applique or applied chapters out of their desired position occurs quite frequently during the operations which follow attachment of the applique chapters, and particularly during facetting of the applied chapters. This undesired shifting of the chapters not only causes damage to the protective coating and ornamentation of the finished dial, but furthermore these displacements generally also impair the esthetic appearance of the dial: experience has shown that a displacement of a watch figure from its reference position by 0.02-0.03 mm is sufficient. Therefore, it should be quite obvious that it is of utmost importance during the manufacture of a dial to ensure for a very precise and fixed attachment of each applique or applied chapter. The heretofore knownclassical techniques have not been able to provide such secure attachment for applied chapters possessing only one stem or foot portion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Hence, from what has been stated above it will be apparent that a real need still exists in the art for a method of applying metallic figures or markings, namely applique or applied chapters to a dial in a manner which is not associated with the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art techniques. Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide just such improved method for this purpose which is not associated with the aforementioned prior art drawbacks and fulfills the existing need in the art.

Another and more specific object of the present invention relates to a technique for attaching metallic applique or applied chapters, each equipped with a substantially circularcylindrical foot or stem to a dial in a manner safeguarding against rotation or undesired displacement of the applied chapters.

Now, in order to implement these and still further objects of the present invention, which will become more readily apparent as the description proceeds, the invention contemplates providing the dial disc or plate with an opening at the location where it should receive the applique or applied chapter, this opening possessing a non-circular cross-sectional configuration, and the smallest dimension or extension thereof however at least being as large as the diameter of the stem or foot portion of the applied chapter. This stem is then inserted into the opening, and thereafter the stem is deformed from the opposite side of the dial plate until it 5 assumes the shape of the opening in which it is housed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above, will become apparent 0 when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawing illustrating a particularly advantageous, simple and rational embodiment of the inventive method, and wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively illustrate in section and plan view a first step of the inventive method;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the dial disc or plate following a second method step of the invention;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are respective sectional and plan views of the dial plate of FIG. 3 with the inserted applique or applied chapter; and

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the dial plate together with the applied chapter secured thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As explained above the instant invention is concerned with a novel method of fixedly securing one or more figures or markings to a dial, typically a watch dial, and wherein each such figure or marking possesses a depending foot or stem of substantially circularcylindrical configuration. In the context of this applica tion, the expressions figure" or marking" are intended to specifically denote applique or applied chapters. Now in the exemplary embodiment of the inven-' tion as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 inclusive there have been depicted the different operational steps of the inventive method. At the start of the operation initially a recess 2 is stamped into the back or rear face of the dial disc or plate 1 at the location where later on the stem or leg 4 of an applique or applied chapter 5, the figure, typically an hour figure, is to be inserted. Of course, instead of stamping these recesses 2 one after the other, it would be possible to use a press punch or other suitable tool by means of which in a single working operation all of the required recesses needed for the attachment of the hour figures could be conjointly stamped, and if desired even a further recess at that location where, if necessary, there is desired a window for a date or calendar indicator. These recesses 2 possess a cross-sectional configuration which deviates from the circular-shape, for instance, in the illustrated embodiment conceptually such recesses may be considered to possess a square configuration or, if desired, a rectangular, oval or eliptical configuration. Owing to the nature of the stamping operation each recess will narrow somewhat towards its base, as best shown by referring to FIG. 1. The stamping operation is performed in a manner that the depth of the produced recesses 2 exceed the thickness of the dial plate or disc 1.

The second working operation resides in machining the opposite face of the dial plate or disc 1, and specifically the face which later will be the front face of the dial, and this can be done by means of a small grinding disc, wherein machining is undertaken such that the portions of the recess or recesses 2 which protrude past the surface of the dial plate 1 are removed. Consequently, as best seen by referring to FIG. 3 at the location of each recess 2 there is now present an opening 3, the cross-section of which corresponds to that of the previous recess, and again as best seen by referring to FIG. 3, narrows in the direction of the opposite face of dial plate 1.

The next working operation entails turning over the dial plate or disc 1 and, if desired, after finishing the front face of the dial plate, inserting into each opening 3 produced in this manner the circular-cylindrical stem or foot 4 of the applique or applied chapter 5 formed of metal. Of course, previously when designing the dimensions of the recesses 2 which form the individual openings 3 care was taken to ensure that the smallest dimension or extension of each such opening at least was as large as the diameter of the stem or foot 4 of the inserted applique chapter.

The last operational step resides in deforming the stems or feet 4 of the chapters 5, during such time as the latter are held in their desired position upon the dial plate 1, from the rear face of such dial plate in such a way that the material of each stem 4 during deformation tends to fill-out the cross-section of the associated opening 3, thereby assuming the shape or configuration of such associated opening. This deformation of the material of each stem or foot 4 of each applique chapter 5 can be undertaken by crushing such stem or by subjecting it to the action of ultrasonic energy.

After this operational step the applique or applied chapter 5 which has been attached in this manner can no longer rotate within its opening 3. Furthermore, as long as such opening 3, as depicted in the exemplary embodiment, widens towards the rear face of the dial plate 1, the chapter 5 at the same time can also not move in axial direction of its stem or foot 4 and therefore it is secured against dropping out of the associated opening.

Instead of stamping one or more recesses as has been discussed in conjunction with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there could also be used a suitable pointed punch and a correspondingly configured countersupport so that an opening is directly produced in the dial plate, the cross-section of which possesses a shape differing from a true circular configuration. The remainder of the operational steps remain the same. This modified version of the manufacturing method possesses the advantage that it allows the use of less expensive tools than required for deep-stamping.

While there is shown and described present preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims. ACCORD- INGLY,

What is claimed is:

1. A method for making a dial plate with attached applique or applied chapters comprising the steps of:

swaging a recess in said dial plate at predetermined locations for receiving each applique, said recess having an outwardly tapering recess at the dial plate front face at the location where there is to be received the applique, said recess being formed so that it widens in the direction of the rear face of the dial plate and possesses a non-circular cross-sectional configuration, said recess possessing a depth which exceeds the thickness of the plate material from which said opening is formed; removing the excess material which extends beyond said dial plate to provide an opening through said dial plate; providing an applique having a single cylindrical stem to be introduced into the smaller portion of said opening; inserting said stem of said applique into such opening from the front; and deforming said stem from the rear face of said dial plate in a manner such that the deformed stern assumes the shape of said opening into which it has been inserted.

2. The method as defined in claim 1, comprising the step of forming an opening in the dial plate for each stem of each applique to be attached thereto.

3. The method as defined in claim 2, wherein each said opening possesses a substantially square crosssectional configuration.

4. The method as defined in claim 2, wherein each said opening possesses a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration.

5. The method as defined in claim 2, wherein each said opening possesses a substantially oval crosssectional configuration.

6. The method as defined in claim 2, wherein each said opening possesses a substantially eliptical crosssectional configuration.

7. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein for each figure which is to be applied to the dial. plate a recess is formed at the rear face of such dial plate, which recess possesses a cross-sectional configuration which differs from a circular shape and wherein such recess possesses a depth which exceeds the thickness of the dial plate, thereafter the front face of the dial plate is machined by removing material from portions thereof which protrude past its surface, to thereby simultaneously form an opening at the location of such recess, the cross-sectional shape of such opening corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the recess and wherein such opening widens in the direction of the rear face of the dial plate, and thereafter the stem of the figure is inserted into the thusproduced opening, and finally such stem is deformed from the side of the rear face'of the dial plate.

8. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein deformation of the stem of each figure is undertaken by crushing such stem so that the material of the stem fills out the opening into which it has been inserted.

9. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein deformation of the stem of the figure is undertaken by subjecting such to ultrasonic energy in such a manner that the material of the stem fills out the opening into which it has been inserted.

10. The method as defined in claim 1, further including the step of simultaneously forming a plurality of openings in one working operation in the dial plate.

11. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the rear face of the dial plate is deformed to provide one or more spaced recesses having side walls protruding beyond the front face of said front face of the dial plate, thereafter removing the protruding portions.

12. The method as defined in claim 10 further including the steps of providing appliques depicting hour figures having depending stem portions which are receivable in the dial plate opening, and deforming said stems in said opening to conform to the opening configuration. 

1. A method for making a dial plate with attached applique or applied chapters comprising the steps of: swaging a recess in said dial plate at predetermined locations for receiving each applique, said recess having an outwardly tapering recess at the dial plate front face at the location where there is to be received the applique, said recess being formed so that it widens in the direction of the rear face of the dial plate and possesses a non-circular cross-sectional configuration, said recess possessing a depth which exceeds the thickness of the plate material from which said opening is formed; removing the excess material which extends beyond said dial plate to provide an opEning through said dial plate; providing an applique having a single cylindrical stem to be introduced into the smaller portion of said opening; inserting said stem of said applique into such opening from the front; and deforming said stem from the rear face of said dial plate in a manner such that the deformed stem assumes the shape of said opening into which it has been inserted.
 2. The method as defined in claim 1, comprising the step of forming an opening in the dial plate for each stem of each applique to be attached thereto.
 3. The method as defined in claim 2, wherein each said opening possesses a substantially square cross-sectional configuration.
 4. The method as defined in claim 2, wherein each said opening possesses a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration.
 5. The method as defined in claim 2, wherein each said opening possesses a substantially oval cross-sectional configuration.
 6. The method as defined in claim 2, wherein each said opening possesses a substantially eliptical cross-sectional configuration.
 7. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein for each figure which is to be applied to the dial plate a recess is formed at the rear face of such dial plate, which recess possesses a cross-sectional configuration which differs from a circular shape and wherein such recess possesses a depth which exceeds the thickness of the dial plate, thereafter the front face of the dial plate is machined by removing material from portions thereof which protrude past its surface, to thereby simultaneously form an opening at the location of such recess, the cross-sectional shape of such opening corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the recess and wherein such opening widens in the direction of the rear face of the dial plate, and thereafter the stem of the figure is inserted into the thus- produced opening, and finally such stem is deformed from the side of the rear face of the dial plate.
 8. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein deformation of the stem of each figure is undertaken by crushing such stem so that the material of the stem fills out the opening into which it has been inserted.
 9. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein deformation of the stem of the figure is undertaken by subjecting such to ultrasonic energy in such a manner that the material of the stem fills out the opening into which it has been inserted.
 10. The method as defined in claim 1, further including the step of simultaneously forming a plurality of openings in one working operation in the dial plate.
 11. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the rear face of the dial plate is deformed to provide one or more spaced recesses having side walls protruding beyond the front face of said front face of the dial plate, thereafter removing the protruding portions.
 12. The method as defined in claim 10 further including the steps of providing appliques depicting hour figures having depending stem portions which are receivable in the dial plate opening, and deforming said stems in said opening to conform to the opening configuration. 